Ta'ovala (overskirt)

This award winning suit is derived from the formal modern garments of Samoan, Tongan, and Fijian men. However, it also features the vibrant colours and creative use of natural and manufactured materials that are increasingly common in contemporary women's costumes. It was designed and made by Aso Fou Tagiilima, a New Zealand based Samoan designer

Design
The three piece suit consists a satin-lined red velvet jacket, a brown satin lavalava and a ta'ovala (overskirt). The ta'ovala consists of an upper band of brown patterned (Tongan) tapa, from which hangs a thick fringe of fau (hibiscus) fibre overlaid by a rectangular lattice of linked petals or leaves of plastic. At either end of the lavalava are two long plaits of fau.

Significance
Aso Fou Tagiilima has twice been a finalist (1997 and 1998) in the Oceania section of the Smokefree Fashion Awards. He was also a category winner in the 1998 Pacifica show in Auckland. His work demonstrates an innovative use of natural materials (pandanus, hibiscus fibre, and coconut fibre) in combination with a variety of fabrics and cultural styles.